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5 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay | Henderson, NV

Tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. Dr. Patick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV encourages good oral health and regular dental checkups to fight against tooth decay. The following are five tips to help prevent tooth decay.

• Fluoride Therapy: It is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay (dental caries) which results in cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed. Tablets or drops are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

• Brushing your teeth: Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth three times a day makes your teeth stronger.

• Regular checkups with your dentist: It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot about it. They know what to do and where to focus on your teeth.

• Dental sealant: It is the dental treatment that consists of plastic material that covers one or more teeth, for preventing of cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

• Dietary snacks: It is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. If you avoid snacks, you may be depriving your body of nutrition from food. Good snacks should include healthy proteins and fats.

Make an appointment with Dr. Simone today to ensure your mouth is as healthy as it should be. Contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

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Understanding Oral Cancer – Henderson, NV

Cancer is not to be taken lightly and neither is oral cancer. It can be very hard to detect but to the trained dental professional eye, it can be found. There are several types of cancers and in several different locations including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How can they be found? Well, at routine dental visits Dr. Patrick Simone will thoroughly examine your mouth, head and neck for any abnormal lumps, or tissue that looks out of the ordinary. If anything looks suspicious, further examination can be performed in the office or be referred to specialists. More likely than not unusual, areas are nothing or benign.

The symptoms of oral cancer can be tricky because they can come and go or may go unnoticed. The most common symptoms are swelling, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroding on lips, tongue, or any area in the mouth. There can also be difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it does not always mean “the big C,” but you should always have them examined. It is important to be responsible for your own health as well. Self checking every month is a good way to be aware. Simply, being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Early detection is key for Dr. Patrick Simone and is the main reason why he offers a test that can detect cells that can be precancerous. This is another great way to offer great care for patients. If you have questions about it, you can always ask Dr. Patrick Simone at your next appointment or call our office at (702)735-2755 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.

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Preventing Periodontal Disease – Henderson, NV

Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV would like to give you some advice on preventing periodontal disease. Did you know it only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)? Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, Dr. Patrick Simone will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that are difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

Some steps to prevent periodontal disease Dr. Patrick Simone will discuss with you are:

~ Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

~ Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

~ Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

~ Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

~ Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

~ Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Remember that prevention is the best treatment, however if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to give Dr. Patrick Simone at (702)735-2755 and schedule an appointment that can save your smile.

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Can Diabetes Affect My Dental Health? – Henderson, NV

If you have Diabetes, Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV advices you to take additional precautions when it comes to your dental health. People who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk to develop mouth infections, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth, and fungal infections (thrush). Periodontal disease can increase your blood glucose level as well as rot away gums and bones that keep your teeth in place; this can lead to painful chewing problems or loss of teeth. Dry mouth occurs when you do not produce enough saliva. If combined with diabetes, which may raise the glucose level of your saliva, a fungal infection called “thrush” could develop. Thrush is characterized by painful white patches inside your mouth. To keep your teeth and mouth healthy, Dr. Patrick Simone suggest you follow these steps: control blood glucose, brush and floss every day, inform Dr. Patrick Simone if your dentures do not fit right or your gums become sore, and quit smoking since it makes gum disease worse. Paying close attention to your dental health can assist you in keeping a beautiful, healthy smile. If you would like more information about keeping your teeth healthy while dealing with diabetes, call us today at (702)735-2755 and we will be happy to assist you.